Tories in Aberconwy say their local party has fallen into a “democratic sinkhole” after being denied the chance to choose a new candidate to fight the General Election.

Some members in the constituency party say they are furious that Guto Bebb has been re-affirmed as the Conservative runner by just a clutch of party officials, and described the current atmosphere as “poisonous”.

But Mr Bebb said the re-selection was above board and that the party sources who have complained “did not read the rules”.

His nomination was confirmed by the executive committee of the constituency party, which consists of three people. Ordinary members were not given a chance to vote.